Sounds & Things Returns

After several delays Sounds & Things is officially reopened and better than ever.

From left, William Peguero Jr, Madona Williams, William Peguero and Morgan DaCosta officiate at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photos: Iris Stoner

Owner William Peguero spoke of the effort involved in bringing the store back at the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours reception held Thursday, 10 November to celebrate the grand reopening.

‘Ivan definitely did a number on this property, but we were able to come back and we are coming back strong. We want to provide a service that is second to none in the Cayman Islands. Our spirit is not dampened,’ he said.

The reopening had been delayed twice because of Hurricanes Wilma and Beta.

‘The third time is a charm,’ Mr. Peguero added.

The store comprises 6,000 sq ft plus there is a 1,500 sq ft warehouse and a 1,000 sq ft office.

‘The building was redone totally. The only thing that remained was the steel structure,’ he said.

Mr. Peguero still owns Trinity Square, where Sounds & Things had been located at one time, and leases the property to other businesses.

Morgan DaCosta, president-elect of the Chamber, pointed out the significance of the reopening to those attending the celebration.

”The grand reopening of the store is another sign of the resilience of the Islands’ business community which has worked tirelessly to restore themselves from the devastating impact of Hurricane Ivan more than one year ago.

‘The temporary closure of Sounds & Things from January of this year did not go unnoticed. For more than 20 years, this community, particularly along the Eastern Avenue area, looked to the store to offer a wide selection of products at affordable prices,’ Mr. DaCosta said.

He added that while the store is smaller than its Trinity Square premises, the product selection compares favourably.

‘Owners William Peguero and his wife, Ellen, have professed a motto from the time that they opened the first Sounds & Things more than 20 years ago: ‘If we don’t have it, you don’t need it,” Mr. DaCosta said.

The store carries everything from sheets to hand-cranked portable radios to toys. New additions include motor scooters, phone services and even money transfer.

Mr. Peguero also spoke of his wife, who is off-island and couldn’t attend the ceremony.

‘My wife is really the wind beneath my wings. Her spirit is here with us; she has done most of the work,’ he said.

Other family members helped him celebrate, though. He was joined by his son, William Peguero Jr and his mother-in-law, Madona Williams.

Returning to the store’s roots was important to Mr. Peguero.

‘We’re thankful to be able to do a good job and be a blessing to the community. We’re really happy to be back on Eastern Avenue,’ he said.

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